posted: Apr. 23, 2008 @ 11:11a
You have to think about whether or not your enjoy your job at Company A and the reason behind seeking employment at Company B in the first place. If the only things that you need from Company A are more money and a better title, then you should ask for it without mentioning that you were offered a job at Company B. Otherwise, you are in a buyback situation which is never a pleasant thing and usually leads to either you or the company terminating the relationship within the next 12 months.
Before seeking employment elsewhere, it is good to write down the reasons why you are looking. When you have an offer on the table, it is difficult to look back and think about these reasons. Typically, you'll be thinking about the more money and better title and Company B or your friends and memories at Company A.
The term 'HR is looking into it' doesn't mean anything once you have started and no longer have any hand. If you really want one of these benefits, negotiate it beforehand.
Other things to consider are time off (vacation days, sick days, holidays), corporate culture, typical raises and how often, industry, etc.
You are right; a higher base salary will set the tone for higher salaries down the line. The 'higher title' is meaningless, but you won't realize this for another 5 years.
If you really want the job at Company B and are just hung up on the bonus program and tuition reimbursement, negotiate for it and get it in the offer letter. If they can't give these to you, ask for more money. You probably can't negotiate 401K matching. Start out with something like, "I am excited about the career opportunity with Company B but there are a few things I would like to discuss..."
GFY for posting this. Don't take the reds personally. Perhaps you should post this in 'off topic' unless you are looking for a purely financial answer. You seem intelligent enough to figure it out based purely on finances.
